Memory

Memory

The mental capacity to encode, store, and retrieve information.

Sensory memory

The initial, brief storage of sensory information, lasting only a few seconds.

Iconic memory

A type of sensory memory that holds visual information for a very short duration.

Echoic memory

A type of sensory memory that retains auditory information for a brief period.

Short-term / Working memory

A temporary storage system that holds a limited amount of information for a short duration, typically around 20-30 seconds.

Chunking

A memory strategy that involves grouping information into larger, more manageable units to enhance retention.

Long-term memory

The system of memory that stores information for extended periods, potentially for a lifetime.

Encoding

The process of transforming information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Retrieval / Retrieval cue

The process of accessing and bringing stored information into consciousness, often aided by cues.

Context dependent memory

The phenomenon where recall is improved when the context during retrieval matches the context during encoding.

Mood/state dependent memory

The tendency to recall information more easily when in the same emotional or physical state as when it was learned.

Mnemonic

A memory aid or technique that enhances the encoding and retrieval of information.

Consolidation

The process by which memories become stable and integrated into long-term memory.

Semantic memory

A type of explicit memory that involves the recall of facts and general knowledge.

Episodic memory

A type of explicit memory that involves the recollection of personal experiences and specific events.

Declarative/Explicit memory

Memory that involves conscious recollection of facts and events.

Non-declarative/Implicit memory

Memory that does not require conscious thought, such as skills and conditioned responses.

Procedural memory

A type of implicit memory that involves the performance of tasks and skills.

Retrograde amnesia

A type of amnesia that affects the ability to recall past memories formed before the onset of amnesia.

Anterograde amnesia

A type of amnesia that affects the ability to form new memories after the onset of amnesia.

Flashbulb memory

A vivid and detailed memory of a significant event, often retained for a long time.

Source monitoring confusion

The inability to accurately recall the source of a memory, leading to errors in memory retrieval.

Memory Misinformation effect

The phenomenon where a person's memory of an event is altered by misleading information presented after the event.